The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the rarest animals on the planet and this trip gives the whole family a unique opportunity to learn about the biology and diversity of this paradise. Everyone will enjoy spotting the myriad animals in their natural environment as they graze, sleep and play on the beaches, mountains and rocks of the islands of Santa Cruz and Cristobal as well as exploring the human history of Floreana. Snorkel with sea lions, marvel at the plodding majesty of giant tortoises, spot frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and Galapagos crabs – and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, whales, dolphins and sharks as you explore this natural wonderland. You’ll experience (animal) life like never before on this beautiful trip to the Galapagos.

Travel more, deposit less. Book now with just €50!

Save a space on your 2019 trip with only a €50 deposit until 31 August 2018.

Travel more, deposit less. Book now with just €50!

Save a space on your 2019 trip with only a €50 deposit until 31 August 2018.

GBP50/EUR50/CHF50/ZAR1250 deposit offer must be redeemed between 1 – 31 August 2018 and can be used on any 2019 trip.
Offer excludes Christmas departures from 15 December – 31 December 2019.
The deposit can be used towards any Intrepid small group adventure, Intrepid short breaks and Dragoman trips with the below exclusions: Polar trips – includes all itineraries in the Arctic and Antarctica; Private groups; Eat your way around the world trip; Gorilla treks where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek to see the Gorillas. Excluded trips are: YDOU, YXOG, YXOCC, YXOIC, YXOEC, YXOGC, YXOFC, UXODC, YGAG, YGAR; Inca Trail trips where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek. Excluded trips are: GGSQ, GGTA, GGSEC, GGTBC, GGSA, GGSD, GGSYC, GGSUC, GGKP, GGTWC, GGFB, GGKY, GGHT, GGCLC, GGHC, GDOP, GDOL, GDOKC, GDOMC, GDOO, GDOB, GDOBC, GDOTC, GDODC, GDOEC, GGBL, GGHC-O; Patagonia trips including the W-Walk. Excluded trips are: GDOD, GDOE, GDOI, GDOJ. Normal deposits apply to these trips.
Balance is payable within 56 days of departure except for Intrepid Adventure Cruising departures which are payable within 90 days of departure.
Full name of passengers must be provided at time of booking. Passengers are not able to hold multiple departures for overlapping dates.
Offer applies to land element of tour only and cannot be redeemed against international flights.
The offer can only be applied to new bookings. Under no circumstances will the offer be applied to existing bookings or used in conjunction with another offer or discount.
Deposit amount is payable per person.
If the traveller wishes to change dates or tours, they will be required to pay the full GBP200/EUR275/CHF300/ZAR4000 deposit towards the new trip. This is applicable even inside the promotional period.
Prices, itineraries and inclusions are subject to change without notice. Standard booking conditions apply as per Intrepid website, www.intrepidtravel.com.

Why you'll love this trip

As well as exploring some of the archipelago's finest islands by boat, you'll get to know the locals by staying in small, friendly hotels

Snorkelling with sea lions is an incredible and surreal experience, and there are few better places to do so than Islas Lobos, home of the world's second largest sea lion colony

One of the joys of the Galapagos is to be surrounded by birds like boobies and frigatebirds who often have not even the slightest interest you're there

Incredible photo opportunities await around every corner – not least of Kicker Rock, the marvellous twin volcanic peaks seen sitting in the ocean from the top of Cerro Tijeratas

The colourful human history of Floreana, shrouded in mystery and mayhem, has a story for everyone. It's sure to be a hit with the family

With spare time in Quito and Isla Santa Cruz, you can spend quality time with the family – perhaps with further hiking or visiting local markets

Is this trip right for you?

This is a well-rounded family adventure, and there are many reasons to fall in love with the Galapagos Islands. That said, wildlife is the major focus of this trip, so it's especially suited to animal-lovers and birdwatchers.

There's a lot of boat travel between the various islands. If you're prone to motion sickness, it might be wise to consult your doctor about preventative medication before you go.

Gallery

Itinerary

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Sitting at an altitude of 2,850 metres, under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details ready. If you have time, take a walk down the famous Calle La Ronda, Quito's oldest street. La Ronda is a peek into the colonial past of the city. This awesome street offers the city's best in one place. You may even wish to explore further beyond the city and visit Otavalo, Cotopaxi, the Cloud Forest or the Equatorial Monument. You local representative will have further recommendations.

Notes: This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information on this. Also note that due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking any diving excursions in the Galapagos.

Accommodation

La Cartuja Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities

Compania de Jesus - USD4

La Ronda - Free

Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua - USD40

Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95

Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest - USD160

Condors and Culture in Otavalo - USD156

Quito Market Discovery - USD99

Meals Included

Early in the morning you will be transferred to Quito airport for your flight to Isla San Cristobal in the Galapagos (approximately 3.5 hours). Departure time is between 8.20 am and 10.30 am, depending on the time of your flight. Your flight (approximately 3.5 hours in total) will stop in Guayaquil to pick up more passengers. Landing at around midday, meet your naturalist guide who will transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, head to the Interpretation Center to learn about the history of the islands and the challenges local conservationists face. Then you'll head to the Cerro Tijeratas (Frigatebird Hill) which is located 2 kilometres from the interpretation centre, southwest of Isla San Cristobal. It is a bit of a climb to the top, but your reward is an amazing view of the bay. From here you can see the 140-metre-tall Kicker Rock, its twin volcanic slabs looming large in the ocean. Soon after you will travel to La Loberia to enjoy some snorkelling, perhaps spotting sea lions and sea turtles as you swim around.

Accommodation

Blue Marlin hotel or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

The Galapagos National Institute has introduced a mandatory Transit Control Card which will cost you USD20. You will need to purchase this card upon arrival at the domestic airport on Day 2, prior to checking in to your Galapagos flight. Also, upon arrival to the archipelago you will need to go through immigration and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD100 in cash (preferably in small bills).

Snorkelling equipment is included in this tour (mask & flippers). If you wish to hire a wetsuit this can be arranged locally for an additional cost.

You second day in Isla San Cristobal begins with a short boat ride to Isla Lobos (approximately 1 hour or less). This island boasts the second-largest sea lion colony in the world, not to mention the tallest lighthouse on the entire continent. Along the way you can observe the abundant sea life that the Galapagos is renowned for. You might be lucky enough to spot nesting frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. On arrival you can head out into the water for some quality swimming and snorkelling time. You might find yourself in the midst of turtles, Manta rays and maybe the odd Galapagos shark (don't worry – they're harmless!). Then it's time to head back to base and relax.

Accommodation

Blue Marlin hotel or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Isla Lobos - Swimming and Snorkelling

Meals Included

Early in the morning you will take off to Floreana Island, travelling by private speed boat (approximately 2.5 hours). Go for a snorkel and then enjoy some lunch. You'll head ashore to a black-sand beach at the home of the Wittmer family, who were some of the island's first settlers. Floreana Island was the first Galapagos island to be settled, and today has less than 200 inhabitants. There is a colourful human history to be discovered here, full of intrigue and mystery, including whalers, wildfires and of course exotic wildlife. You will have the chance to read up on how life came to be on Floreana and how some lives mysteriously ended. Next, board your private speedboat once again and continue to Isla Santa Cruz, home to the largest town in the Galapagos Islands (approximately 1.5 hours).

Accommodation

Hotel Lobo de Mar or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Floreana - Snorkeling

Floreana - Island Visit

Meals Included

Today after breakfast you will go to the Charles Darwin Research Station. This not-for-profit organisation has been operating since 1959. The station's visitor centre is an essential stop for anyone interested in the archipelago's natural and human history. It's great for learning about the local conservation of the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos. It also offers the chance for close-up encounters with giant tortoises, and you can see many newborn and young giant turtles too – they're here as part of the breeding program to reintroduce the creatures to their natural habitat. In the afternoon you will venture to the higher part of Santa Cruz to observe giant tortoises roaming around in the wild. These fascinating animals can weigh as much as 400 kilograms.

Accommodation

Hotel Lobo de Mar or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)

Optional Activities

Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay visit (45 Minute walk, one way) - Free

Meals Included

Today is a free day for you and your family to explore Isla Santa Cruz Island as you please. You can choose from a variety of optional activities, if you like. You might like to head out to Tortuga Bay beach, which is a fairly short walk away (approximately 45 minutes). The walk to the lovely Las Grietas gorge, past cactus fields and lava rock formations, is also a good choice. Alternatively, visit the buzzing local fish market, where cheeky pelicans try to get in on the daily catch. You might like to simply stay in Puerto Ayora, soak up the seaside ambience and make some of your own discoveries. The town itself is nice and small, perfect for exploring on foot.

Accommodation

Hotel Lobo de Mar or similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Quito. You can expect to arrive at your hotel at around 3 or 4 pm. Enjoy an evening exploring Quito, or perhaps kick back and relax with your family and fellow travellers.

Jump to a departure month

Important notes

Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.

A Single Supplement is available on this trip, please ask your booking agent for more information.

The Ecuadorian government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers entering Ecuador. Proof of insurance may be requested at upon entering the country by immigration officials, so please ensure you carry this with you.

Snorkelling equipment is included in this tour (mask & flippers). If you wish to hire a wetsuit this can be arranged locally for an additional cost.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Reviews

Jennifer Patt

The Galapogos Trip with Intrepid was amazing. Paco was an amazing tour guide and he made our experience memorable and special for my son and I. We have made wonderful memories here and I would highly recommend the trip to anyone.